Lapid Warns of Another Oct. 7 If Incumbent Government Remains

In a pre-election interview, Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition Yesh Atid party, expressed strong confidence in his bloc's ability to secure a majority in the upcoming Knesset elections, dismissing polls suggesting otherwise. Lapid stated that the "Bayahad" bloc, which includes Naftali Bennett's party, is generating significant energy and momentum, drawing parallels to the "vibe" he felt in 2013 when Yesh Atid saw a surge in support. He believes this energy, combined with the activism of Yesh Atid supporters and Bennett's campaigning, will lead to electoral gains.

Lapid framed the election as a critical choice between national security and a repeat of the October 7th Hamas attacks, citing the presence of "Qatar's agents" in the Prime Minister's office and the government's approach to ultra-Orthodox conscription as major security concerns. He also highlighted the rising cost of living and a perceived decline in educational standards, exemplified by the cancellation of the "Meitzav" exams, as key issues.

When pressed about a "Plan B" if his bloc fails to reach the 61-seat majority needed to form a government, Lapid remained focused on achieving that goal, emphasizing that his priority is to "save the country" rather than engage in hypothetical scenarios. He indicated that leaders of the "change bloc" would convene after the election to agree on a single candidate for prime minister.

Lapid criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, asserting that it has failed to bring security and has not learned from the October 7th failures. He pointed to the continued presence of Hamas militants in Gaza and the strengthening of Hezbollah and Iran as evidence of ongoing security deficiencies. Lapid also raised concerns about Qatar's influence, alleging that "agents of Qatar" are in the Prime Minister's office and that Netanyahu is continuing a policy of restraint regarding Gaza, even agreeing to its reconstruction without Hamas disarmament.

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Lapid stated that a Palestinian state is not on the horizon in the coming years. He advocated for restoring law and order, eradicating Jewish terrorism in Judea and Samaria, and engaging Egypt in managing Gaza instead of Turkey and Qatar. He also reiterated his support for a constitutional framework for Israel, including a law on legislation and judicial activity, but stressed the need for consensus-based reforms, not attempts to dismantle the separation of powers.

On the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, Lapid proposed cutting off state funding for those who evade military service, stating that individuals who do not serve should not receive state benefits. He also suggested potentially limiting the voting rights of draft dodgers, drawing parallels to practices in the US and UK. Lapid also vowed to reform the education system, ensuring funding for schools that teach core subjects like math and English, and withdrawing support from those that do not.

Lapid clarified his coalition-building strategy, stating that his bloc would not sit with Arab parties or ultra-Orthodox parties due to ideological differences regarding the nature of the Jewish state and universal service. He also indicated that while the Likud party might be a potential partner, he would not sit with Netanyahu, Smotrich, or Ben-Gvir. Lapid explained his decision not to join the unity government after October 7th, stating that he had proposed a unity government with specific conditions to exclude extremist elements like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, and that maintaining an opposition, even during wartime, is crucial for a democracy.